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ICD-10 Coding for Migraine Cephalalgia(G43.E11, G43.109)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Migraine Cephalalgia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Migraine HeadacheMigraine with AuraChronic Migraine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Migraine Cephalalgia

G43Primary Range

Migraine

This range includes all types of migraines, including those with aura, chronic, and intractable forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.E11Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosusUse when the patient has chronic migraine with aura, is intractable, and has status migrainosus.
  • ≥15 headache days/month for 3+ months
  • Aura symptoms documented
  • Failed ≥2 treatments
  • + 1 more
G43.109Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosusUse for episodic migraines with aura that are not intractable.
  • Episodic (<15 days/month)
  • Aura symptoms documented

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura

Essential facts and insights about Migraine Cephalalgia

The ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus is G43.E11.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for migraine cephalalgia

Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports ≥15 headache days/month with aura symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented failed treatments and headache duration >72hrs.

Applicable To

  • Chronic migraine with aura
  • Intractable migraine
  • Status migrainosus

Excludes

  • Tension-type headache (G44.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ≥15 headache days/month for 3+ months
  • Aura symptoms documented
  • Failed ≥2 treatments
  • Headache >72hrs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified migraine
  • Missing documentation of frequency or treatment failures

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies frequency, aura, and treatment response.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

F11-F19
Use if medication overuse is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus

G43.109
Use when migraines are episodic (<15 days/month) and not intractable.

Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus

G43.E11
Use when migraines are chronic and intractable.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Migraine Cephalalgia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.E11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of coding audits., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code specific migraine types, such as chronic or with aura.

Impact

Lack of specific frequency documentation can lead to audit failures.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Migraine Cephalalgia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Migraine Cephalalgia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Migraine Cephalalgia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Migraine with Aura

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency
  • Aura symptoms
  • Treatment responses
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient reports 18 headache days/month × 4 months, with visual aura (scintillating scotoma), unresponsive to topiramate 100mg BID × 12 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Migraine with aura, chronic.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic migraine with aura (18 days/month × 4mo), intractable (failed propranolol × 12wks, erenumab × 8wks), status migrainosus (84hrs unresponsive to IV DHE).
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency, aura details, and treatment failures, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Migraine Cephalalgia? Ask your questions below.

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